I was GBS+ with our Elliott. I didn’t get antibiotics when I found out I was positive for GBS because I was supposed to be having a c-section. I didn’t get antibiotics when I was in labor at 37 weeks because my labor was “quick” and there “was no time.” And c-section did not occur.

Sweet E was born on 2/7/23 at 5:19am. Hour 29 (2/8/23) was our game changer and symptoms of illness began. That’s when lab work and treatment also began. Because that’s what the current protocols require.

Current protocols (set as a “standard” across the nation) are to monitor a baby of an untreated mother for 72 hours with an increase in vital sign monitoring and for other signs and symptoms.

Due to me not getting the antibiotics in labor, and the current protocols, Elliott is 1 in 8 survivors with significant disabilities.

Did you know that GBS (Group B Strep) is the leading cause of meningitis and sepsis in newborns?
Did you know that the current protocol is to only monitor post delivery for signs/symptoms of meningitis?
Did you know that 1 in 8 survivors are to have significant disabilities?
Did you know that July is GBS Awareness Month?

Our Elliott is ONE in EIGHT.
Let’s have this discussion. Let’s bring awareness. What can we do different so we can minimize this disease?

- Katy
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